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There are very few curators and promoters in the UK of South Asian origin. The sector has limited experience of programming shows of South Asian work and our experience tells us that there is a substantial demand for support in this area. Museums and galleries are under increasing pressure to address issues of social exclusion and diversify their programme and audiences - many are keen to face up to this challenge. Shisha believes that work by artists and makers of South Asian origin could be better represented in programmes and exhibitions of crafts and visual arts in the UK. Shisha can change this through the support we offer to artists and the expertise we provide to galleries and arts professionals.
Artists of South Asian descent face discrimination in the UK. There is prejudice both within the galleries sector and wider society. Their work can be exoticised, it is often perceived as or inappropriately linked to community arts or seen as being restricted to particular religious groups. There is a lack of awareness of the diversity of South Asian cultures and the broad range of work across generations and the international diaspora. People may falsely assume that the work will only appeal to South Asian audiences, and policy makers sometimes see the work as demonstrating their commitment to Asian arts in a tokenist way without providing for long term strategic support.
Shisha challenges prejudice by changing attitudes through education and by enabling organisations to deepen their understanding of and sensitivity to the work of South Asian artists and makers. We can help them to connect with new audiences and challenge the perceptions of their existing clientele. |
